Karim Benzema will not play against Villarreal but the Frenchman will be ready against PSG in the Champions League

Frenchman Karim Benzema's muscular problems will prevent him from playing this Saturday at the Cerámica Stadium against Villarreal in LaLiga and his objective is to reappear in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 at the Parc des Princes against PSG.

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At first, it was ruled out that there was a rupture, so it was predicted that it was a simple ailment in the left hamstring. However, his injury has become more complicated and, finally, he will be out against Villarreal after missing the games against Athletic in the Copa and Granada in La Liga.

Benzema continues to work on the pitch on his own, without returning to the group dynamic. On Thursday, according to Real Madrid, he made progress in his recovery by striking the ball and testing sensations in the hamstring of his left leg, which has prevented him from playing in the team's matches since January 23.

The Italian coach hopes that Madrid’s goalscorer could be ready against PSG

The coaching staff led by Carlo Ancelotti sees an improvement in Benzema and are confident that he will be able to return on Tuesday in the European clash against PSG, although the club says he will be doubtful until the last moment.

What is certain is that Benzema is ruled out for the duel with Villarreal and that Ancelotti must find a replacement after unsuccessfully trying Isco Alarcón as a 'false nine' in the cup elimination against Athletic Club in San Mamés and Granada in LaLiga. Marco Asensio's winning goal came with Serbian Luka Jovic on the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

With the points advantage in LaLiga, Madrid's mind is now set on Paris, and Ancelotti is thinking about the possible eleven he will field. His goal is to get Benzema and Mendy back, and it seems he already has half the work done.

Lo Celso minimized the importance of Benzema's absence

The Argentine made reference to the Merengue team when he was interviewed by 'Vamos'. "It is a complete team, both individually and as a team, they have been doing very well, they have known each other for a long time. They have top-level players, so we know what we are facing. We have been doing a great job. We hope to continue along that line," he commented on Ancelotti's team.

He also played down the importance of Karim Benzema's absence: "We know what Benzema is capable of doing, a player like that is very important for them. Not only as a scorer but also as a player. He brings a lot to the team. We know that this is Real Madrid and that if Benzema is not here, they have good, quality players and we must be just as careful to counteract that".

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